Roy Keane remains convinced Manchester City will win the Premier League, despite Liverpool keeping the reigning champions on their toes as they chase a quadruple.
The former Manchester United captain had tipped City for the title before the turn of the year. At the time he made the prediction, Pep Guardiola's side were second behind Chelsea, but Thomas Tuchel's men have since tailed off.
"At this moment in time, as brilliant as Liverpool and Chelsea are, I’d go with Man City," Keane said in November. And now, with just four games of the season remaining, the Irishman has stuck to his guns.
"I can't change my mind now, I still think City will do it," the Sky Sports pundit said. "I just think they've got great quality.
"Liverpool are fantastic, of course, but I'll stick with City. I just think they know how to get over the line - Pep... world-class manager, I think they'll do it."
In addition to their Premier League title run-in, City and Liverpool could yet face off in the Champions League final. Guardiola's men hold a slender first-leg advantage over Real Madrid in their semi-final, while Liverpool have a lead to defend against Villarreal.
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Back in November, Keane had pointed to City's impressive defence and Liverpool's frightening attack. However, there's very little to choose between the sides in either department.
"I think Man City right now look really strong defensively. Liverpool are scoring all the goals but I’d go with Man City right now," he said.
With four games to go, City have scored 84 and conceded 21. Liverpool have outscored their rivals by two but conceded one more.
Both league meetings between City and Liverpool this season have ended all-square. The teams drew 2-2 at Anfield in October, and the scoreline was the same at the Etihad Stadium on April 10.
The away draw with City was the only game in the Reds' last 14 in the league which hasn't ended in a victory for Klopp's team. Alongside that run, the Reds also beat City in their FA Cup semi-final, holding on for a 3-2 victory after scoring three unanswered first-half goals.
After Liverpool's weekend victory over Newcastle United, Klopp was asked about his team's title rivals. However, he instead opted to focus on the Reds' midweek opponents.
"No, [the spotlight is on] Villarreal," he said. They are 2-1 down, playing at the moment [versus Alaves ]. That's what I'm interested in. I haven't thought a second until now about City, but immediately about Villarreal."
After the two title contenders round off their European semi-finals, must-win league games will be back on the menu. Liverpool are at home to Champions League-chasing Tottenham on Saturday, with Man City hosting Newcastle United the following day.
